Age gap between chidren

[Woody1983]

Its the age old question!
What do you think is a good age gap to have between children?
I have a nearly 4 year old girl and nearly 1 year old boy at the moment and my partner said last night he would like another if I did.....
I don't know if its slightly too soon after having my son but lets here what you think!!!! I think maybe we could start trying again at the end of the year but I am tempted beacuse I love having babies!!!! Yes even the labour doesnt bother me!!!

[Mrs Y]

It's definitely got to be a personal decision. I don't think there's an 'ideal' age gap, because it depends on your circumstances and preferences.

I've got two boys, 17 months apart. They are now 22 months and 5 months. It's been hard work, definitely, as it's dealing with two lots of nappies, feeding, bathing etc. However, for me personally I don't particularly enjoy the 'baby' stage so know that in a few years, they will both be much more independent and we will have much more fun!

A friend of mine absolutely loves babies and has three children, with gaps of five years and six years. This suited her perfectly as she was able to dedicate herself entirely to each baby from birth until school age, without having to 'share' her time dealing with another baby.

As I said, it's got to be up to you; having two babies under the age of 2 is extremely draining, but if you love babies then why not?

Good luck whatever you decide!

[redcrx]

yep, a personal choice. Ive got 2 the same age as yours but my boy is eldest.
I havnt ruled out having a 3rd one day but im happy at the moment to watch my baby girl growing up without a younger sibling to look after too.

[gina32]

i have 3 brothers and we are all 6 years apart, me being the youngest, i remember my mam telling me that when she had had my last brother the midwife told her that she was very fertile and should consider sterilisation!! not an answer i know but thought id share it with you

[angiebaby57]

Theres never a right time! I had mine v close together (21m gap) and it was hard work...2 in nappies, double buggy etc...however I am now glad I did it! My children are now in the 3rd and 4th years of secondary school and so all the hard work was out of the way in one go! I have friends who have gaps as big as 16 years!!!! and each gap brings its own difficulties....catering for the needs and wants of a much older child with a baby in tow etc and the children having little in common etc...do whats right for you....its never easy anyway but good luck to you! x

[annie0000]

People can obviously only speak from their own experiences, and it will vary depending on how your baby is as well as the gap. I have two boys 13 months apart and whilst it was difficult when they were babies and i sometimes feel sorry that they didn't really have the opportuntiy to be "the only baby", now that they are 8 and 7, it is great. My two do get on very well (mostly) and have chosen to share a bedroom as well, but if the didn't, it might be a nighmare.

It is good when we are on holiday as they always have someone to play with, but they do have their own individual friends at home.

Hopefully they will have a close bond forever, but at the baby stage we were absolutely exhausted most of the time (we were both in our mid to late 30's when they were born) so my OH had the snip when the youngest was 1 year old to make sure we were not tempted to go for another!

[mumof3angels]

Hi
I've got 4 yrs between my daughter and son, and 3 between my 2 sons-they're 11,7 and 4. My daughter had to have a lot of hospital treatment for the 1st 3 yrs of her life and so that's why I put off having another when she was very young, but it was quite nice being able to devote more time to my 2nd when my daughter was at nursery and because she was that bit older she was more independent. We didn't plan to have my 3rd but it was a happy accident and again seemed easy as my middle one wasn't a baby anymore. It's funny, but my eldest and youngest get on better together.

[lozzylou]

my two boys are 10 months apart and it was the best thing i ever did. it was hard to start with but you get into your own routine. they are very close. love the same tv programmes share the same toys and friends and get on really well

[B00]

Or you could do what I did- have them 16 years apart, and voilaaa!!! Instant babysitter.....lol

[Nannyjillx2]

I have a year between my eldest 3 and then an 8 year gap before my youngest daughter was born and 17month gap before my youngest son was born.

I agree it is a personal choice

[redcrx]

i think B00 probably has the best idea. Though if i leave a 16 year age gap i wll be 48! lol